As noted by some, he was also born on the 300th death anniversary of Galileo Galilei, and Isaac Newton’s birthday.

When the theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author was diagnosed in 1963, doctors gave him just two years to live.

His children Lucy, Robert and Tim said in a statement:

“We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today.

He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years.

His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.

He once said, ‘It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.’

We will miss him forever.”

Leo McCluskey, an associate professor of neurology and medical director of the ALS Centre at the University of Pennsylvania, told Scientific American:

“One thing that is highlighted by this man’s course is that this is an incredibly variable disorder in many ways. On average people live two to three years after diagnosis.

But that means that half the people live longer, and there are people who live for a long, long time. Life expectancy turns on two things: the motor neurons running the diaphragm—the breathing muscles. So the common way people die is of respiratory failure.

And the other thing is the deterioration of swallowing muscles, and that can lead to malnutrition and dehydration.

If you don’t have these two things, you could potentially live for a long time—even though you’re getting worse. What’s happened to him is just astounding. He’s certainly an outlier.”

The ALS Association aims to discover treatments and a cure for ALS and to serve, advocate for and empower, people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest. You can donate here.